Bombardiered by Local Companies

Software Companies Urged to Explore Lucrative Sub-Contracts with Top-tier Suppliers to Bombardier CSeries in Belfast

Preparing for the CSeries programme in Belfast, where aerospace manufacturer Bombardier will be responsible for the design, development and manufacture of the advanced composite wings for the aircraft, Irish software companies were amongst those being urged to explore potentially lucrative subcontract opportunities with Bombardier's potential primary suppliers.

That was the focus of an event hosted by Invest Northern Ireland on Thursday, attended by around 50 local company delegates who presented their product and service solutions to top buyers and executives from 30 top-tier suppliers with whom Bombardier are currently finalising contracts with. The event provided an opportunity for local delegates to establish and cultivate potentially valuable ongoing relationships with these key players in the global aerospace supply sector.

Among the opportunities that could become available for local companies are the provision of products and services in areas as diverse as software, logistics, tooling and factory automation.

Welcoming the delegates and participating suppliers to the event, Invest NI Chief Executive Alastair Hamilton said: "Bombardier is one of Northern Ireland's most innovative companies and a major player in the global aerospace industry. The company's decision last year to invest over half a billion pounds in Northern Ireland is indicative of the international esteem in which the capability and talent of the local operation and associated supply network are held."

Hamilton continued, "I am delighted that representatives from some of the biggest names in the global aerospace supply sector have come to Belfast to learn at first hand how NI companies can deliver the world-class products and services needed for a major aircraft programme like the CSeries."

"Local companies continue to outperform their international competitors and offer the most attractive option for a wide range of products and services for the aerospace industry. By delivering tailored, capability-building support, Invest NI is committed to ensuring that this remains the case and that companies here can capitalise on these types of opportunities, despite the challenges of the global economic downturn." concluded Hamilton.

Michael Ryan, Vice President and General Manager of Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, said: "The CSeries will be one of the most advanced commercial aircraft in the world. Design, development and production of the wings are taking place here in Northern Ireland and require world-class knowledge and capability."

"There is clear potential for knock-on benefits of our CSeries aircraft programme investment to the whole Northern Ireland economy if local companies win high value contracts with our primary suppliers. We are also actively encouraging local companies to participate in the national manufacturing excellence programme, SC21, which is aimed at improving their competitiveness and enabling them to compete on the world stage."

Ryan concluded: "Today's event provided an opportunity for many Northern Ireland businesses to meet these suppliers and explore the prospect for future new business. This includes companies that may not have previously supplied the aerospace sector, but which deliver high quality products or services, such as IT consultancy and safety inspection, which are versatile and useful in almost any manufacturing environment."

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See Bombardier C-Series Website

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